EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Education Association
reported in October that a large percentage of teachers nationwide consider
themselves "conservative," while also recommending in the same publication that
teachers vote for Democrats in nearly all political races, according to
Michigan Capitol Confidential.

The October issue of The Voice noted that a National
Education Association survey in 2005-2006 found that 45 percent of teachers
under age 30, and 63 percent between the ages of 40 and 49, classified
themselves as "conservative," Michigan Capitol Confidential reported.

The same issue endorsed 111 Democrats in 114 political
races, according to Capitol Confidential. MEA President Iris Salters told
Michigan Capitol Confidential that local committees recommend candidates for
endorsement.

"What they try to do is identify the person that best
will support public education and school employees," Salters told Michigan
Capitol Confidential. Since that interview, the MEA has added three Republicans
to its endorsement list, for a total of six, according to a separate Michigan
Capitol Confidential report.

State House Rep. Tom McMillin, R-Rochester Hills, whom the
MEA has not endorsed, told Capitol Confidential that it was "clear the MEA
is very partisan."